Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-05-28
AUGUSTUS BOON.
Large and Enthusiastic Neeting ~
Solid Citizens
AT Which . Board Of Trade i. Orc
anized.
'AE' r. u Allen Elected President-M..v
String ADDRESSED,

success and at O'Clock there was
large gathering of Augustus solid business
men, all of whom were earnest and de,e,.
mlne1, and more than willing to push alono
this new enterprise which promise. 40 mncb
for the city.
The meeting was called to order at sl5
o'clock by Mr.. A s. Bangs.
Hon. Geo. E. Macomber was cbosen tom.
porary President and W. A. Newcomb. acc.
retary.
The chairman read the call.
On motion of Hon. II. NJ. Heath the con-
vention proceeded to choose officers to
serve until code Of by lave had been
adopted
Mr.. W. B. Leighton nominated Mr.. (. c.
Allen for President, and he was unanimously
elected to that office amid loud applause.
The following additional officers were
chosen:
Vice Presidents--Ira II. Randall, James
z. Fuller.
Secretary-Treby johnson.
Treasnrer-Charles S. Hichborn.
Executive Commttee-A. S. Bangs, II. II.
Harvey, II. NJ. Heath, J. f. Hill, E. f.
Davis, T. J. Lynch, J. W. North, C. E.
Nash, Ira Sturgis.
As Mr.. Allen took the chair there was re-
newed applause.
On motion of Hon. Orvilie d. Baker
committee of five WAS appointed bv the chair
to draft bylaws: Orville d. Baker, "A. S.
Bangs, Geo. E Macomber, S. W. Lane, A.
c. OILS.
On motion of Mr.. Bangs the meeting
listened to addresses from gentlemen pres
ent
Mr.. Macomber introduced Mr. VIM. r.
Smith as gentleman who had been acquaint-
ed with the business interests of the city for
more than half a century Mr.. Smith spoke
in his happiest vein and was listened to at
tentively 1t would take me an hour, he
said, to- relate much about the business of
our grand old town for the past fifty years.
Half hundred years ago he had cast his lot
here and he had abided, having seen all the
ups and downs through that period. He re-
membered when the frst. spoonful of earth
had been removed for the dam, which now
furnished Us with our immense water power.
How ardently we hoped it WAS the culmins-
ton of all our hopes 1t was at the sacrifice
of much wealth that it had been erected.
But alas, in 1889 the structure was entirely
swept away and our visions were destroyed.
made to repair the dam, but years elapsed
before anything WAS done. Mr.. Smith re-
ferred to the operations of the Spragues, and
related how they solidly rebuilt the dam,
ing large sum of money. Why, at one
time we could fairly hear the angel of pros
perty flap his wings. The speaker had
great faith in this new organization, the Au-
gusta Board of Trade. Through its agency
and other means he looked for more pros
periy than at any time for the past
fifty years. Applause. He believed in
this combining of the people for
the purpose OF locating and foster
ing enterprises and regarded the water power
furnished by the Kennebec as the key to the
situation. Mr. Smith would have a variety
of enterprises; anything to make business.
Manufacture pals or even hooks and eyes,
such industries as these had built up other
towns; it is not wise to depend solely on
one great cotton mill. In closing the speaker
expressed his willingness and delight to do all
in his power to advance the prosperity of the
city he loved so well.
Hon. Orville ID. Baker was the next speak
er. He had attended the meeting with the
greatest interest and zeal in this new enter
prise and believed much credit was due the
gentlemen who had started it. He spoke in
high terms OF the business ability and worth
of the gentlemen in Boston who were at the
head Of the Edw ards Manufacturing Co. and
thought the date of their purchase here was
the beginning of q new and prosperous era for
the city There has been no time since
when Augusta was not advancing. Now
when business WAS good was the time to Or
ganize. Mr.. Baker referred to the case where
a young man made an effort recently to find
power and encouragement for the establish
ment of small industry in this city but was
unsuccessful and went to another town.
Board of Trade would have reme1ied this
and retained the manufacturer here. 1t not
only aids those in the city but pushes out its
feelers in every direction. What we want
are skilled workmen Of various trades. Ev-
ery man who is skilled in his business aids
other interest and the people in general. He
believed that there was reasonable hope
that these Boston capitalists would establish
pulp and paper mill. Now if we will all
take hold we shall see this city marching on
to a brilliant and prosperous future. He
would be glad to do his part.
Mr.. A. c. Otis had been resident of this
city for eight years and this was really the
first move 10 do something which he had seen.
There was nothing selfish or personal about
it. He would be al active laborer in the Or
ganization and would put his shoulder to the
wheel and do his best Applause.
Hon. H. M. Heath knew that in general
way these boards had been of great good in
other cities. They we're of great service in
opening up new enterprise aud were valua-
BILE in many ways. In Bath, Portland and
Calais the result had been excellent. In the
;c.esroo tho pnar ~ of Trade